Name: Seafood Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz rotini pasta; 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup cooked crab meat or imitation crab, shredded; 1/2 cup cooked scallops, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup cucumber, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup black olives, sliced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped; 1/3 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 garlic clove, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Seafood Pasta Salad a refreshing and light pasta salad loaded with a medley of seafood, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing — perfect for summer gatherings or a quick, flavorful lunch.

Ingredients

8 oz rotini pasta

1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup cooked crab meat or imitation crab, shredded

½ cup cooked scallops, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

½ cup cucumber, diced

¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

¼ cup black olives, sliced

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

⅓ cup olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 garlic clove, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shrimp, crab meat, scallops, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, parsley, and basil.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.

Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep time is about 15 minutes, cooking the pasta takes roughly 10 minutes, so the total time from start to finish is approximately 25 minutes.

Variations

I like to experiment with this salad by swapping out different seafood, such as adding calamari or smoked salmon. For a vegetarian twist, I sometimes replace the seafood with grilled artichokes or roasted chickpeas. Using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works well if I want to accommodate dietary preferences. You can also boost the freshness by adding diced avocado or substituting lemon juice with lime juice for a slightly different citrus kick.

Storage/reheating

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Because this is a cold pasta salad, I don’t reheat it—just give it a quick stir and enjoy it chilled. The flavors actually improve after a day as they meld together.

FAQs

Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, I often use frozen shrimp or scallops—just be sure to thaw and cook them properly before adding to the salad.

What type of pasta works best in this salad?

Rotini is my go-to because its twists hold the dressing well, but fusilli, penne, or farfalle are also great choices.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be if you swap the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta varieties available at most stores.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely. I recommend making it a few hours in advance or even the night before so the flavors have time to develop.

How do I keep the salad from becoming soggy?

I make sure to rinse the pasta with cold water and drain it well before mixing. Also, chilling the salad before serving helps keep it fresh and crisp.

Conclusion

This seafood pasta salad is one of my favorite go-to dishes for a light but flavorful meal. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for warm days when I want something fresh and satisfying. Whether I’m packing it for lunch or serving it at a casual gathering, it never fails to impress with its bright, balanced flavors. I’m sure you’ll find it just as delightful.

Recipe:

Seafood Pasta Salad

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and light pasta salad loaded with a medley of seafood, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing — perfect for summer gatherings or a quick, flavorful lunch.

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shrimp, crab meat, scallops, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, parsley, and basil.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.